Hong Kong introduces ISO microchip regulations for dogs to streamline imports and enhance rabies control measures.

Gazettal of Notices for introduction of additional microchip formats for dog identification

The Rabies Regulation (Amendment of Schedule 3) Notice 2025 (the Amendment Notice) and the Rabies (Transponders on Imported Dogs) (Exemption) Notice (the Exemption Notice) were published in the Gazette today (June 6). The Amendment Notice aims to introduce the International Organization for Standardization standard microchip (ISO microchip) containing the specific code of Hong Kong for dog identification purposes and as evidence that the dog has been vaccinated against rabies, while the Exemption Notice will exempt legally imported dogs from the need of implanting a microchip as mentioned above.

A spokesman for the Environment and Ecology Bureau said, "Currently, many countries and places commonly use the ISO microchip. The Government will introduce an ISO microchip containing the specific code of Hong Kong in addition to the existing AVID microchip. Dogs in Hong Kong already implanted with the AVID microchip and dogs legally imported and implanted with the ISO microchip do not need to additionally implant the ISO microchip containing the specific code of Hong Kong. The new measure will further facilitate the movement of dogs into and out of Hong Kong while ensuring the source of the microchip could be traced."

To prevent and control rabies, the Rabies Regulation (Cap. 421A) requires keepers of dogs to ensure that their dogs are vaccinated against rabies, microchipped and licensed at the age of 5 months, and thereafter the dogs are to be revaccinated against rabies and have the licence renewed every three years. The Government has consulted the Panel on Food Safety and Environmental Hygiene of the Legislative Council and stakeholders, including licensed animal traders, animal welfare organisations, pet transport agents, veterinary clinics and animal organisations regarding the Notices and have obtained general support.

The two Notices will be tabled by the Government before the Legislative Council at its sitting on June 11 for negative vetting, and will enter into force on August 1, 2025.

Extension of e-Appointment services to applications for warrants of distress in District Court Registry

The following is issued on behalf of the Judiciary:

The Judiciary today (December 23) announced that the e-Appointment services will be extended to applications for warrants of distress in the District Court Registry as from next Tuesday (December30).

Applicants can make online appointments via www.judiciary.hk/en/court_services_facilities/dtci_index.html for attending the District Court Registry to file new applications for warrants of distress. Registered users of "iAM Smart" may use the auto form-filling function of "iAM Smart" to provide relevant personal data for making online appointments. Guidance Notes with details are available on the above dedicated webpage.

With the above extension, the e-Appointment services will be available for a wide range of services in different court registries and offices, including the Apostille Service Office of the High Court Registry, the Probate Registry, the High Court Registry, the Appeals Registry at the Clerk of Court's Office of the High Court, the Family Court Registry, the Integrated Mediation Office, the Labour Tribunal Registry, and the Lands Tribunal Registry.

E-appointment services aim at saving court users' time and costs. To provide greater convenience for court users, with effect from next Tuesday, the auto form-filling function of "iAM Smart" will be extended to cover the majority of e-Appointment services of the court registries and offices (Note). Details are available atwww.judiciary.hk/en/court_services_facilities/es_index.html.

Note: This is not yet available for the Probate Registry (submitting applications for grant with a will) and the Labour Tribunal Registry (filing of claims).

The Judiciary, Photo source: reference image